Case Study – Feminist Friendship Community of Practice

The Feminist Friendships Gender Equality Community of Practice (FF CoP) was established to respond to a clear need: providing a space for Gender Equality practitioners in the SMR to gather, reflect, learn and support each other. Inspired by the concept of ‘feminist friendships’ as a methodology for practice, the FF CoP promoted courage and vulnerability, critical reflection, learning, and developing friendships with like-minded practitioners.

The FF CoP offered professional development, peer mentoring and one on one coaching: with twelve participants representing a diversity of organisations. Using the idea of ‘feminist friendship’ as a cornerstone, the FF CoP worked with “the practices, at the pace, in the natural contexts, and with an ethic of friendship” (Tillman-Healy, 2003), and as such required, and had, a strong commitment from all members and facilitators to show up, bringing whole self to the group, and develop strong relationships.

The aim of the FF CoP was to build trust and create space for courageous conversations about the challenges and realities of gender equality work. The group evolved, and the program was shaped by, member s’ needs and interests expressed through the initial in-person meeting.

For practicality and effectiveness, the FF CoP was facilitated through a combination of three full-day in-person meetings and seven online meetings.

The 3 x in-person six-hour workshops covered a range of topics including:

  • Professional and Personal Goal Setting
  • Co-design of the CoP program
  • Activities for connection and rapport building
  • Intersectionality
  • Self-Awareness through Community of Selves* model
  • Reflection and learning evaluation

The 7 x online two-hour workshops covered a range of topics including:

  • Self and collective care
  • Engaging men and boys
  • Peer Consulting Process
  • Managing backlash and resistance
  • Embedding Lived experience into GE Programs
  • Values based messaging for GE and PVAW

Dyad/triad peer mentoring was a key feature of the CoP program, with pairings and groups of three to connect between the formal in-person and online group meetings. A common theme in feedback from participants was the value of peer mentoring as a supportive and reflective space. Many participants found these sessions to be impactful for discussing challenges, sharing victories, and connecting on a deeper level.

A one-on-one individual coaching session with one of the FF CoP facilitators was offered to members as part of the personal and professional development focus of this CoP. Members who had these sessions shared that they were impactful for both their personal and professional development, and provided crucial support, clarity, and guidance that were often transformative.

Participants shared key learnings from their involvement in the FF CoP. One of the most remarkable themes from their discussions was the sense of community and support. Many participants emphasised the importance of being part of a “supportive and caring community,” which provided a sense of belonging and emotional sustenance.

Another key takeaway by participants, and in meeting needs of the group, was the importance of self-care and self-reflection in sustaining long-term engagement in gender equity work. Participants recognised that “engaging more around self-care and self-reflection” was crucial for understanding what drives them and how they can support themselves to continue their work sustainably.

The introduction to participants of intersectionality and its implications in practice was also a key learning point. Understanding “how different aspects of a person’s identity can expose them to overlapping forms of discrimination and marginalisation”, as spoken by one participant, helped the group grasp the complexity of gender equity work and the necessity of considering multiple social characteristics in their efforts.

Community of Selves model was demonstrated to participants, encouraging awareness and role of all parts of oneself. The emphasis on self-awareness and self-care was highlighted in their comment, “Community of selves self-compassion piece, loving all parts of yourself.”

Personal vulnerability and openness were also surprising elements.

Participants were astonished by their own ability to be open and vulnerable within the group, which contrasted with their experiences in other settings.

I was surprised at how open and vulnerable I was able to be with the group. Not something I feel comfortable to demonstrate in the workplace and even in my personal life.

The recognition of one’s own power and privilege was a challenging but important learning. The creation of a safe, kind, and authentic space was highly valued.

Overall, evaluation of the FF CoP found it had significantly impacted participants’ ability to achieve their personal and professional goals. Participants praised the CoP for being a “feminist space” that provided “safety, kindness, care, joy, and authenticity,” which they found lacking in formal or corporate settings. This environment was seen as a model that could revolutionise professional practices across various sectors.